EU Council President Costa announces 90 bln euro Ukraine credit strategy
This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.
European Council President António Costa announced in Vilnius on August 26 that the EU will continue to increase pressure on Russia and support Ukraine. He outlined a four-point strategy including a 90 billion euro credit for Ukraine's air defense and energy. Costa is on a tour of all EU member states to discuss priorities ahead of the new political season.
Key Facts
- The EU will provide a 90 billion euro credit to Ukraine to strengthen air defense and energy capacity before winter.
- Costa called agreement on the EU's 2028-2034 long-term budget a "decisive challenge" to be resolved by the end of 2026.
- Costa said EU enlargement to include Ukraine, Moldova, and Western Balkan countries is the "best investment" in Europe's future peace and security.
- Costa's tour began on August 25 with visits to Bratislava and Tallinn, and he will travel to Riga on the evening of August 26.
EU Strategy for Ukraine
In Tallinn, Costa listed four directions of the EU's strategy to support Ukraine. The EU will use a 90 billion euro credit to strengthen Ukraine's air defense and energy capacity before winter. The bloc is working on security guarantees for Kyiv within the "coalition of the willing". The EU is increasing pressure on Russia to achieve constructive participation in the peace process. The EU is also advancing Ukraine toward membership in the European Union.
Next Long-Term Budget
Costa called agreement on the next EU long-term budget for 2028-2034 a "decisive challenge" to be overcome this autumn. EU leaders must reach a deal by the end of 2026 to avoid disruptions in bloc-wide financing in 2028. Costa said the structure and sections of the next seven-year budget will be "completely different" from all past budgets. The new budget will focus on competitiveness, industrial transformation, defense, security, and strategic resilience. Without an agreement by end-2026, funding for farmers, businesses, students, researchers, and innovation programs could be disrupted in 2028.
Enlargement and Security
Costa directly linked EU enlargement to Europe's security. He said advancing Ukraine, Moldova, and Western Balkan countries toward EU membership is the "best investment" in future peace, security, and stability. Costa separately addressed threats to the EU's eastern flank.
1 source
EU Council President Costa announces 90 bln euro Ukraine credit strategy
